Fatal Snakebite Research Articles

Health evaluation and dangerous reptile detection using a novel framework powered by the YOLO algorithm to design high‐content cellular imaging systems

AbstractThis novel approach in animal biology could revolutionize identifying endangered species, addressing the issue of misclassifying potentially harmful animals based solely on visual characteristics. Particularly impactful for farmers in agricultural fields, it aims to reduce the heightened risk of venomous animal attacks, ultimately improving safety. Due to a lack of accessible education, illiterate farmers are more susceptible to adopting superstitious beliefs, which tragically leads to fatal snakebites even when medical treatment is readily available. Furthermore, environmental factors can unexpectedly hold typically non‐threatening animals responsible for a large number of human deaths each year. However, the complexity of human recognition of these hazards has prompted the development of a novel design approach aimed at simplifying the process. Integration of the ResNet learning algorithm in conjunction with You Only Look Once (YOLOv5) within the framework is recommended to facilitate real‐time processing and improve accuracy. This combined approach not only speeds up animal recognition but also takes advantage of ResNet's deep learning capabilities. The first phase entails deploying YOLOv5 to detect the presence of snakes in the proposed study, achieving a remarkable 87% precision in snake detection thanks to the synergistic fusion of ResNet and YOLOv5.

In silico Exploration of Bioactive Compounds from Withania somnifera as Inhibitor for Alpha Delta Bungarotoxin of Bungarus candidus Venom

The antivenom for Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) venom has not yet been available in Indonesia, leading to many fatal snakebite cases. Alternative treatment approaches using medicinal plants are needed to be explored. This study investigated the potential of medicinal plants natural bioactive compounds as toxic alpha-delta protein bungarotoxin inhibitor in B. candidus venom. The approach taken is using the 3D structure of the alpha-delta protein of bungarotoxin B. candidus predicted by SWISS-MODEL. Knapsack Family Database and PubChem were used for bioactive compounds datamining.

A case series of posterior circulation ischaemic stroke following viper snake bite

Snakebite is a common problem in Rural India. Viper snake bite is India's most common cause of fatal snake bites. They are usually associated with hemorrhagic complications. Ischemic complications following viper bite are uncommon and have only been reported by a few authors. A posterior circulation stroke is even rarer as it is challenging to diagnose. It is also fatal if there is a delay in diagnosis. We report a series of 5 patients with posterior circulation infarcts following viper envenomation confirmed by MRI Brain. We review published literature and discuss the likely pathogenesis of the ischaemic stroke following a viper bite. This study stresses the need for a higher degree of suspicion for posterior circulation stroke following snakebite and an early radiological diagnosis. Following diagnosis, adequate hydration, maintaining blood pressure, antiplatelets, and ICP lowering measures are essential. Snakebite should be considered a differential diagnosis in a young patient with stroke, especially in rural areas.

An epidemiological profile of fatal snake bite cases in south-east region of Rajasthan

An epidemiological profile of fatal snake bite cases in south-east region of Rajasthan

A Study of Pattern of Envenomation in Bilaspur Region of Chhattisgarh: A Three Years Cross Section Retrospective Study

Myths and ancient medical literatures states, snake bites must have been the first kind of poisoning known tohuman being. Chhattisgarh states economy majorly depends upon agriculture, which is also relatively dependenton rainy season and this season along with good crop gives a fear of fatal snake bites and scorpion stings. Thepresent cross section retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology,CIMS, Bilaspur, during the period from January 2019 to December 2021 which includes 209 envenomation deathcases out of 3392 cases brought to the mortuary for medico-legal postmortem examination. In Present study recordsof post mortem requisition form, panchanama, post mortem report and other relevant documents were compiled,tabulated and analyzed. During the study period 63.6% of total envenomation cases were male victims and 36.4%are female, maximum affected age group is of young adults ranging from 21 to 50 years (54.5%), most cases are inthe month of September (15.3%), attacks at night (51.2%), and snake bite are more prevalent (75.6%) than scorpionstings (24.4%), in rural region (65.1%) of Bilaspur. The main objectives of the study were: to ascertain the variousaspects of envenomation deaths, to analyze the probable reasons for the same & to find preventive measures tobring down the incidence of mortality.

Retrospective Autopsy-based Profiling of Fatal Snake Bite Cases Brought to Tertiary Care Teaching Institute of Haryana

Snakebite is a major public health problem throughout the world especially in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Snake venom is probably the oldest known poison to mankind and has been described in oldest medical writings and myths. Since the dawn of civilization, snakes have inspired a mystic feeling of good and evil in human mind. An authentic measure of the global burden of snakebite envenoming remains obscure despite several attempts to estimate it and, apart from a few countries, reliable figures on incidence, morbidity, and mortality remains elusive. This retrospective autopsy-based observational study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine of a tertiary care teaching institute of Haryana during 8-year time span from 2010 to 2017. A total of 55 fatal cases of snake bites which included 38 males and 17 females were used to study the trend of disease. As observed in the study, maximum cases were from 21-30 years age group of rural background having male preponderance and snake bite related deaths peaked during monsoon season. The other observations noticed were, hands and feet were widely getting affected due to snake bite while swelling and cellulitis were the commonest findings seen at the local site of bite. Maximum cases had single set of fang marks seen at the site of bite while there were some cases with no visible marks. A discussion on the findings of our study could be used to formulate a rough idea of burden of this neglected disease in Haryana state and there is an urgent need to educate the population regarding the risks and create awareness regarding seeking timely treatment for the same.

Case Report: Treatment of a Severe Puff Adder Snakebite Without Antivenom Administration

ABSTRACT.Antivenoms are the treatment of choice for managing lethal snakebites. However, antivenoms may not be available in instances where non-native vipers are kept in captivity. We report a case of a puff adder (Bitis arietans) bite treated without antivenom. A 23-year-old man was bitten on his left hand by a puff adder that he illegally kept in his house. The swelling spread rapidly to the upper arm and there was a risk of bleeding, suggesting the need for antivenom administration, but this could not be acquired because of lack of stock. We initiated fluid resuscitation and administered recombinant thrombomodulin (rTM) to prevent venom-induced consumption coagulopathy. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment was also performed to reduce local swelling. The patient recovered without complications after the multidisciplinary treatment. Further studies are needed to prove the safety and efficacy of rTM administration and HBO therapy as an adjunct or alternative therapy with antiserum for fatal snakebite.

Histopathological profile of fatal snake bite autopsy cases in a tertiary care center in South India

BackgroundSnake bite is a major public health problem, especially in the tropical areas of the world, which the World Health Organization aims to eradicate. According to the National Crime Records Bureau in India, where agriculture is the mainstay of employment attributes about 8660 mortalities in a year. Histopathological results are of immense help in establishing the cause of death in those snake bite cases where other circumstantial shreds of evidence are lacking.ResultsAn autopsy-based prospective study was conducted on fatal cases of snake bite reported at a tertiary care center in south India over a period of 2 years. A total of 38 fatal snake bite cases were included in the study. Epidemiological data were collected and analyzed. Histopathological findings of the kidneys, heart, and endocrine glands (pituitary, adrenals, thyroid, and pancreas) were analyzed. The significant findings of the kidneys were distinct corticomedullary demarcation on the gross surface (65.8%) and congestion and acute tubular necrosis (55.3%) on histology. On the other hand, in the set of endocrine glands, adrenals and pituitary showed predominantly hemorrhagic infarction on the histological analysis (18.4% and 52.6%) respectively.ConclusionThe results of the current study enlighten the findings such as distinct corticomedullary demarcation and acute tubular necrosis in the kidneys and hemorrhagic infarction in the endocrine glands in a case of snake bite. It highlights the need for histopathological analysis in the cases of a fatal snake bite when other circumstantial and gross features become indecisive. This can aid immensely in a medico-legal investigation of snake bite cases.

Epidemiological Profile of Fatal Snake bite Cases in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India

Epidemiological Profile of Fatal Snake bite Cases in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India

Fatal and Nonfatal Snakebite Injuries Reported in the United States.

Venomous and nonvenomous snakes are found throughout the United States. Two families of venomous snakes are indigenous to this country: the Viperidae, or pit vipers (rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads), and the Elapidae (three species of coral snakes and a sea snake). Bites from captive nonindigenous venomous snakes such as cobras also may present at medical facilities, given the interest in exotic pet ownership in the United States. Even "dry," nonenvenomating snakebites and those from nonvenomous snakes can result in puncture wounds that require medical evaluation. This article presents updated national estimates of snakebite injuries treated in US emergency departments (EDs). Data on nonfatal snakebite injuries were abstracted from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program (2001-2015). Variables included age, sex, body part affected, cause, disposition, and treatment month. The snake species were coded based on narrative comments. Estimates were weighted and analyzed with SAS 9.4. Data on fatal snakebites were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research (1999-2017). From 2001-2015, an estimated 137,800 snakebite injuries were treated in US EDs (crude rate: 3.0 individuals per 100,000 population). The majority of patients were male (70.7%; crude rate 4.4/100,000 population). Arms/hands (46.8%) and legs/feet (46.1%) were the primary body parts injured. The majority of patients were treated and released (67.1%); however, nearly 30% were hospitalized or transferred to another hospital. Two-thirds of the cases involved a nonvenomous or unknown snake (67.7%). Among venomous encounters, 70.3% involved a rattlesnake. For fatal snakebites, an average of 6 deaths per year was reported (range 2-12). Although rare, nonfatal snakebites in this study resulted in an estimated average of 9192 annual visits to EDs (roughly 1 visit per hour) and an average of 6 fatal snakebites per year. Epidemiologic data on snakebite injuries provide healthcare providers, public health officials, and veterinarians with information on populations at risk for snakebites, species of snakes likely to be encountered, and guidance for prevention efforts.

Epidemiology of fatal snakebites in the United States 1989-2018.

There are 5000-10,000 snake envenomations annually in the United States. Fortunately, few are fatal. In this study we review the epidemiology of fatal snakebites. Native snakebite cases from the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) National Poison Data System from 1989 to 2018 were reviewed. Additional cases that were not reported to the AAPCC were identified by reviewing Wikipedia and by searching PubMed and online news outlets using various combinations of relevant keywords. We identified 101 fatal bites from native snakes. Rattlesnakes accounted for 74 (90.2%) of the 82 deaths for which the species was known or which occurred where rattlesnakes are the only native crotalids. There were five fatalities attributed to copperheads, two due to cottonmouths, and one caused by an eastern coral snake. Males were disproportionately affected. The median age for victims was 40years old. In cases for which data were available, many of the snake interactions were intentional, e.g. religious services, animal husbandry, and attempting to kill the snake. Death following envenomation from a native U.S. snake is unlikely, particularly if medical attention is sought promptly. Rattlesnake envenomations are more likely to be fatal than bites from other species. Intentionally engaging with a venomous snake raises the risk of incurring a fatal bite, as does concurrent alcohol or drug use. Age less than 12years old does not appear to be a risk factor for a fatal outcome, while elderly patients may have a slightly increased risk of death.

Label-free SERS characterization of snake venoms by exploring the cysteine environs with bone-shaped gold nanoparticles.

Identification of snake venoms is a vital step in the treatment of fatal snakebites. In this study, we use the gold-thiolate interaction between a cysteine residue and gold nanoparticles to establish a SERS method for the differentiation of the venoms of Trimeresurus stejnegeri and Bungarus multicinctus. We confirm the preference of gold nanoparticles over silver for the SERS study of snake venoms by a binding experiment that also functions to differentiate the two venom samples by colorimetry and UV-vis spectroscopy. We report the SERS spectra of Trimeresurus stejnegeri and Bungarus multicinctus venoms for the first time. The spectra display distinct SERS signatures of the snake venoms on bone-shaped gold nanoparticles made with a house recipe. These signatures correlate to selected segments of the venom proteins due to the anchoring effect of the gold-cysteine bond. The method is quick as it accomplishes in situ isolation of the structure of interest to avoid tedious purification of the samples. The location of the interactive cysteine residue makes a novel characteristic of proteins in general.

Fatal Snakebite Envenoming and Agricultural Work in Brazil: A Case-Control Study.

We investigated the association between fatal snakebite envenoming and agricultural work in Brazil, considering the effects of relevant covariables. A nested case-control study was performed using 1,119 fatal cases of snakebite envenoming among persons aged ≥ 10 years, notified to the Brazilian official reporting system, from 2004 to 2015. As controls, 4,476 cases were randomly selected from the 115,723 nonfatal cases of snakebite, without missing data, that occurred in the same time period. The main predictor was occupation in the agriculture sector; the main outcome was death by snakebite envenoming. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the main association, controlling for the effects of relevant covariables. Fatal cases had a 20% greater chance (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.39) of being among farmers than the controls. However, late (≥ 6 hours) time to treatment (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.70-2.36); adequate antivenom with an insufficient (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04-1.50) or excessive (OR = 4.89; 95% CI: 4.10-6.03) number of vials; inadequate antivenom and insufficient or excessive number of vials (OR = 3.87; 95% CI: 2.40-6.24); no use of antivenom (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.60-2.64); and age ≥ 60 years (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.61-2.44) were more strongly associated with lethality. Lethality was 1.0% in the period, being 0.47% among those receiving early and adequate treatment. We concluded that in Brazil, fatal snakebite envenoming was associated with agricultural work, controlling for relevant covariates. However, quality of health care provided and greater age were much more strongly associated with lethality.

Evaluation of Fatal Snakebite Cases in Coastal Odisha: An Autopsy based Cross-sectional Study

Evaluation of Fatal Snakebite Cases in Coastal Odisha: An Autopsy based Cross-sectional Study

Demographic Study of Fatal Snake Bite Deaths among Medicolegal Postmortem Examinations in Warangal

Demographic Study of Fatal Snake Bite Deaths among Medicolegal Postmortem Examinations in Warangal

A Profile of Fatal Snakebite Cases in Rural Mandya: A Retrospective Study

A Profile of Fatal Snakebite Cases in Rural Mandya: A Retrospective Study

Human fatalities caused by animal attacks: A six-year autopsy study.

Deaths caused by animal attacks in urban as well as rural areas are rising. With dwindling forest cover and with more interaction of animals with humans in day-to-day life, we need to understand the reasons, manner and causes of these fatal events. We studied 151 cases of fatal animal/human conflicts and in particular, the manner and mechanism of causation of injuries with respect to different types of animals. In this region there were more fatal snake bites followed by cattle attacks. Humans are at some risk while in the vicinity of animals whether in the wild or in human settlements. Human/animal conflicts occur due to reducing habitat for animals and the demands of humans. One must be aware of the potential dangers from animals and as a health care provider it is our duty to educate the public at large. They need to be cautious when around animals, seek medical care after an animal injury and wear protective equipment when working around or with animals.

Incidence of fatal snake bite in Australia: A coronial based retrospective study (2000–2016)

IntroductionIt has been over 20 years since a national review of recorded deaths from snake envenoming. The present study aimed to provide an updated review of the epidemiology of deaths from snake bites in Australia. MethodsDeaths were identified from January 2000 to December 2016 from the National Coronial Information System. Cases identified due to snakes were extracted with data on coronial findings, autopsy and police records. ResultsThirty five deaths (2.2 per year) were ascribed or antecedent to a snake bite. Sixteen cases were attributed to snake bite/envenoming as leading directly to death, with other direct causes of death being multiple organ failure (n = 3), intracerebral haemorrhage (n = 2), cerebral hypoxia or anoxia (n = 3), cardiac arrest (n = 1), complications of snake bite (n = 3) or brain stem death (n = 1). Four cases did not have a snake bite indicated in the case history, with an initial diagnosis of either hyperthermia, stroke, gastroenteritis and a horse accident. The median age was 46.5 years (range 1.5–70 years), and 74% were males (n = 25). The time from bite to death varied from 1 h to 19 days. Fifty four percent of bites occurred at the person's residence (n = 1), with 17 being in an urban environment. ConclusionsDeath from snake bite remains rare in Australia, and has maintained a steady rate for over 20 years. Usually considered a ‘rural issue’, and with varying recorded causes of death, a nationally co-ordinated effort to further review the national picture of envenoming in Australia can inform education and resource needs within state and local contexts.

Identification of snake venom allergens by two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting

This allergic reaction to snake venom was described to occur in patients after recurrent exposure through bites in amateur and professional snake handlers, which might be underestimated and contribute to fatal snakebites in victim, independently from the toxicity of the venom itself. Few allergens were identified from snake venoms by normal SDS-PAGE, which cannot separate the snake venom completely. In the present study, we identified nine potential allergens by two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting (named as allergenomics) in Protobothrops mucrosquamatus venom. By multidimensional liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry (MDLC-ESI-LTQ-MS/MS) analysis, six allergens showed sequence similarity to snake venom serine proteinases. Other allergens showed sequence similarity to snake venom metalloproteinase. These allergic reactions to snake venom allergens might contribute to fatal snakebites in victim, independently.

Incidence of fatal snake bite in Loni, Maharashtra: An autopsy based retrospective study (2004–2014)

Snake bite is a major public health problem specially in a rural region where agricultural work is the major source of employment. A retrospective study was undertaken of all cases of deaths due to snake bite autopsied at the Mortuary of Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni a rural area in Western Maharashtra over a period of 10 years from January 2004 to December 2014. Data of the study was gathered from autopsy reports and hospital records. The cases represented approximately 2.13% (54) of the total 2539 medico legal autopsies conducted during the study period. Most of the deaths (42.60%) occurred in the age group of 11–30 years and both males and females were affected in almost equal proportions. There was a marked increase in the number of cases in monsoon season (59.26%). The lower extremity was the most frequently involved site of bite (62.96%). Snakes were identified in 43 cases (79.63%) and among the identified cases the most common culprit was Viper amounting to 29.63% of cases followed by Krait causing 24.07% of the deaths. The findings in our study reflects the necessity of educating the rural community regarding the hazards of snake bite, importance of early medical attention and to avoid wasting vital time being engaged by traditional healers.